EFFECTIVENESS OF AUTONOMOUS LANDING SYSTEM FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAV): A CASE STUDY AT MALAYSIAN MARITIME ENFORCEMENT AGENCY (MMEA)

Abstract

This paper investigates the effectiveness of autonomous landing system of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). Nowadays, there is a growing need for flying drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) with diverse capabilities for both civilian and military applications. UAV's are utilized in carrying out a variety of operations including military tasks, search-and-rescue missions, reconnaissance, and load transportation. This study is using a qualitative approach by conducting an in-depth interview. Purposive sampling is identified by meeting with MMEA officers who are involved in UAV activity. The data is analyzed by the content analysis method based on the semi-structured question of the interview. As a result, there is a significant interest in the development of novel drones which can autonomously fly in different environments and locations and can perform various missions. In the past decade, the broad spectrum of applications of these drones has received most attention which led to the invention of various types of drones with different sizes and weights. This study concluded that the potential of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV's) for sea patrol purposes, benefits in terms of the maritime sector, and challenges of the existing UAV's with various navigation and control approaches.